Public Relations certificate

Engage audiences with great storytelling

In the age of social media, public relations staff play a vital role to ensure that their organization not only builds a positive reputation, but also engages customers and grows in influence.

To enable you to seize opportunities in this fast-moving field, UFV’s Public Relations program equips you with practical knowledge in public relations, social media, image management, public speaking, media relations, and writing. These sought-after skills qualify you for varied employment opportunities or career advancement and are applicable across a wide range of disciplines.

The Public Relations certificate is postponed until Fall 2018 to allow us the opportunity to make updates that will optimize your student learning experience.

These include:

Restructuring the schedule

Offering courses online and/or in hybrid format

Building on current program content to ensure you are industry-ready

We thank you for your current interest and invite you to join us next Fall.

Credential: Certificate

Format: Part time

Duration: 1–3 years

Days and times: TBA

Tuition*: Per course

Practicum available? Yes

Start dates: next intake Fall 2018

Employment facts

According to Money Magazine, the public relations field has high expected job growth. With the proliferation of social media and non-traditional media outlets, most companies need assistance with engaging their audiences and building a positive public image. As a consequence, PR jobs now exist not only with agencies, but also in-house for a variety of businesses, non-profits, and public sector organizations.

Sample occupational titles

Public Relations Specialist

Communications Specialist

Community Relations Coordinator

Social Media Manager

Media Relations Manager

Brand Ambassador

Advocacy Officer

Press Secretary

Publicist

Public Relations Coordinator

Information Officer

Event Coordinator

Sample industries

According to National Household Survey data, jobs in public relations and communications exist in every industry. Some sample industries include:

Interested in taking individual courses without completing the certificate? Email continuingeducation@ufv.ca for permission.

Practicum

In order to qualify for the two-week practicum, you must have successfully completed all modules and met the attendance requirements.

When you qualify for a practicum, UFV Continuing Education will assign you a practicum that provides you with meaningful work-like experience and exposure to the field of Public Relations.

Practicum placements reflect the business practices of the practicum host, which includes placement during standard business hours. Transportation to the practicum site is your responsibility and may require travel outside your community of residence. If you refuse an assigned practicum site you will need to find your own site and obtain departmental approval prior to the start of your practicum.